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 never closed her eyes. Only little Pepíc̓ek slept as if he ad been given poppy-seed. The next morning Naninka lost all patience; she could not hold out any longer, and, taking Cvok to account, she asked him what this was all about that he kept secret from her. In a few minutes she knew as much as he did himself.

“I shall take Pepíček away at once,” she declared; then let whoever likes come for him.”

“Why take him away?” said the priest. “We won’t give him up, even if the bishop himself came to fetch him! And I won’t put him out of my house either. I am answerable for him, and I will answer for him.”

“And yet you said yesterday morning that we should very likely be obliged to put him out of the house.”

“I was too hasty when I said it—too hasty with heartache and anxiety. Heavens! I am so fond of that child, that I would let my heart be cut to pieces for him. Don’t be afraid, Naninka; nothing will happen, especially now that the baron acknowledges the child to be his.”

“I wonder how it will all end? But, goodness gracious! what do I see?”

Cvok jumped up and ran to the window, where Naninka stood looking out quite terrified.

“The carriage from the castle! Here they are already!” whimpered Naninka, wringing her hands. “For the Lord’s sake and His bitter sufferings, what shall we do?”

“Where is my Pepíc̓ek?” cried Cvok, trembling with anxiety.

“He’s in the kitchen; I’m going to him. Don’t let